Charles III’s Reign: Reforms, Public Works, and American Policy
The Reign of Charles III: Reforms and Policies
King Charles III, representing enlightened despotism in Spain, had notable ministers such as Esquilache, Aranda, Jovellanos, and Olavide. His reign faced opposition from the privileged, highlighted by:
- The Mutiny of Squillace: A popular uprising in Madrid against public sanitation measures and the Italian Minister Esquilache.
- The Expulsion of the Jesuits: The Jesuits, with their vow of obedience to the Pope, clashed with Charles III’s royalist policies and educational reforms.
Economic Liberalism
Charles III’s economic policies included:
- Freedom of prices and grain circulation.
- Progressive introduction of free trade with America.
- Elimination of guild regulations.
- Limiting the privileges of the Mesta.
- Efforts to increase agricultural production.
- Protection of domestic industries from foreign competition.
Societies like the Economica de Amigos del País fostered economic development and new techniques, influenced by Physiocrats and free traders.
The Problem of Agriculture
Land ownership was a major issue, with much land amortized, bound, or municipally owned, worked by landless farmers. The Council of Castile collected data on farming problems, leading to a farm bill. Key figures included:
- Floridablanca: Concerned about uncultivated land.
- Campomanes: Proposed giving land to landless peasants.
- Jovellanos: Focused on large estates held by the nobility.
Efforts included authorization of fenced decrees, distribution of farmland, and attempts at deamortization and agrarian leases.
Public Works
Charles III initiated extensive urban planning and public works, starting in Madrid with paving, lighting, and sanitation. He also constructed interior navigation channels, such as the Canal de Castilla and the Imperial Canal of Aragon.
Bourbon Policy in America
Until the mid-18th century, the Bourbon dynasty maintained the Habsburgs’ American government structure, based on viceroyalties, hearings, and aldermen. Trade relations had deteriorated due to mine depletion and reduced shipments of gold and silver.
During the reigns of Philip V and Ferdinand VI, significant steps were taken:
- Cadiz was granted a trade monopoly with America.
- A new system was organized to support the fleet and establish a powerful war armada.
- Privileged trade companies were created, ceding state monopolies in exchange for payments.
Under Charles III, a new project linked to free-market thinking was initiated, including full liberalization of American trade and increased taxation. The defense of commercial interests and territory in America led to the creation of a defensive front with France, known as the Family Pact.